'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (2024)

There is so much to say for fashion trends and the quick rate that they fleet in and out of our lives. But, the ‘90s fashion obsession persists.

‘90s fashion has been filtering in through our social media and fashion runways for the past year or so. Everything from tiny sunglasses to bike shorts and butterfly hair clips have made a comeback.

But for 2020, there are new ‘90s trends to keep an eye out for, new evolutions of looks, and even some new/old styling tips sure to be as hot as Chandler and Monica.

So where do we begin with ’90s style outfits?

Well, I’ve picked 4 easy ‘90s style outfits that you can probably even find in your closet now.

90s style outfit 1

'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (1)

@gabriellearrudadesign90s style #ootd #fyp #foryourpage #getthelook #fashion #90sfashion #trending♬ original sound – goalsounds
what you need: wide-leg jeans, t-shirt (graphic even), ’90s belt, 90’s style shoes, (blazer optional)

This is a great look for your daytime activities. Luckily for us, ‘90s fashion is pretty comfortable and the low tops and casual pieces allow us some much-needed comfort and style.

The wide-leg jeans should be of a higher rise and the graphic tee should be tucked in and slightly pulled out to create an “effortless” look.

The belt you see here is a more western meets ‘90s vibes but you could also opt for a rhinestone belt, a chain belt, or a simple skinny belt.

The low top sneakers are not to be confused with the ugly, dad sneakers that are also a ‘90s trends. However, if you want more info on the shoe trends for 2020, check out this post here. But as you can see, in the photo this outfit also works well with combat boots or even a square toe heel. The options are endless as long as they slightly nod to the 90’s style.

The oversized blazer is optional. If you watch the video you can see the look without the blazer. It’s a layering piece and maybe slightly harder to pull off, but still a fun way to merge trends from the ’90s and the now if you aim to be bolder.

The key to polishing this look off is minimal makeup and a simple, yet refined hairstyle. We want to emulate grunge but we don’t actually want to be grungy.

The simple makeup keeps the ‘90s inspiration alive and a refined down hairstyle or sleek bun allows this look to be more elevated than it’s ‘90s iteration.

For the no-makeup makeup look (that pairs very well with all of these looks), click here.

90s style outfit 2

'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (2)

what you need: Turtleneck, slip dress, combat boots

This is a great casual date night look, or even going out to a restaurant or bar with friends. It’s cute, its fun, and it exudes a ‘90s vibe like no other.

Rachel Green was a fan of this look. And we all know she has great taste.

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The turtleneck goes under the slip dress. Tights or socks can be worn with this look weather-dependent and the combat boots add a nice edgy flair to the look.

The key to getting this look right is a light turtleneck. You want a slim fitted, light material (spandex even), turtleneck. If you want to take this look further into the ‘90s you could even pair it with something like this.

But, a basic turtleneck will suffice as well. The slip is most likely going to be thin silk so if you have anything too bulky underneath it, it will look bumpy and create an awkward, unflattering silhouette.

A fun way to make this look even more ‘90s is to add some socks peaking out of your docs or to add some flip clips in your hair.

Also, if your slip is not bulky you could even try pairing this look with a pair of 90’s style jeans (tucking in the slip and turtleneck into a pair of looser levis). This is a great day time option that allows for colder weather with a more feminine 90’s style.

90s style outfit 3

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@gabriellearrudadesign90s style overalls. What’s your fav 90s style? #fashion #90sstyle #fyp #trending #viral #style #overalls #ootd #xyzbca #foryoupage♬ Fast – Sueco The Child
what you need: overalls, sweatshirt, and low tops

This is my run around town outfit. It’s cute, it’s comfortable, and it exudes “easy” vibes.

This look is pretty self-explanatory just be certain to not pair too bulky of a sweatshirt under your overalls. Bulk and bumps don’t work with these outfits.

Also, the overalls need to be a bit looser- do not opt for lycra infused overalls for this style. The 90s are all about relaxed and easy vibes.

90s style outfit 4

'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (4)

@gabriellearrudadesign90s outfit layering. What do you want to see next? #fashion #ootd #90sfashion #howtolayer #style #fyp #trending #foryourpage♬ original sound – madi.claire
what you need: Levis Jeans, Sweatshirt, Turtleneck, combat boot, 90’s style earrings

This is a comfortable and warm option, which we all love in the colder months, or when opting not to wear a jacket. The layering harkens back to the 90’s fashion and skater boy era, yet still feels modern.

These pieces are easy to reuse, and most likely you already have them in your closet. Layering adds depth to an outfit and makes it appear more purposeful.


Because this outfit is relatively simple, the details are important. The combat boot I choose is extra “chunky” which is on-trend right now.

And the 90’s style earrings helps solidify the look. Try this post for more inspiration oof 90’s style earrings and how to modernize them [ LINK ]

The hairstyle is also a nod to the ’90s, and it helps make the look feel more feminine.

( ** we may earn a commission from you clinking the links in this post at no additional cost to you, for the full affiliate policy, click here.)

90’s trends that are probably not coming around in 2020

Chokers

Chokers had their moment in 2018 and even 2019. But, they have had their time to shine and I think this trend will probably not resurface for 2020.

Dad Sneakers

While you might see some outfits working with dad sneakers, they will be far less prominent than in years past. The more traditional low top sneaker (even with a slight platform) will take their place.

Micro-sunglasses

Again, you might see a few people opting to rock the micro sunglasses trend. But generally, this was a hard trend to pull off to begin with and I think as a whole the fashion community will be moving away from these styles.

Butterfly-style clips

The infamous baby butterfly clips had a brief interlude a while back. They are being replaced by their counterpart the flip clip. [ hair accessories you need for 2020]'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (5)'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (6)

90’s things that will be trending in 2020

1. Layering clothes (as seen in my outfit ideas)

2. Chunky combat boots

3. Shiny lip gloss

4. Glitter eye shadow and lip gloss

5. 90’s style hair (think high ponytails and high half ponies with strands drawn out in front)

6. Slip dresses (especially worn with a more masculine shoe)

7. Oversized men’s shirts worn as a layering piece

8. Looser style jeans (mom jeans, straight leg jeans) as opposed to skin-tight lycra jeans

9. Fabric headbands

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10. Oversized plaid, buffalo plaid

If you want to push your fashion style further, with trends and honing your own fashion voice- try the 10-day guided fashion challenge, here.

What ‘90s trends are you looking forward to resurfacing? Any you’re afraid to try!? Let me know, so I can help you tackle it!

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'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (7)

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'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (8)'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (9)

'90s style outfit ideas: How to rock this decade right - Gabrielle Arruda (2024)

FAQs

How do you dress like the 90s with normal clothes? ›

Channel authentic 90s grunge by throwing on baggy ripped jeans, a graphic tee and checkered flannel. Wear bike shorts, track suits, and colorful windbreakers to really run head first into a 90s sporty vibe. Don the denim—mom jeans, low rise jeans, denim overalls, and denim jackets were all the rage.

What is a typical 90s outfit? ›

A typical outfit included leggings with an oversized v neck sweater over a turtleneck, slouch socks, and Keds, Sperrys boat shoes or Sperrys white sneakers. Also plaid or plain short dresses and skirts with pastel or white knee socks worn over the knee or folded at the top of the knee with ballet flats or boat shoes.

How does the 90s dress up? ›

Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).

How to dress like the 90s female? ›

Key elements of a 90s-inspired outfit for women include high-waisted jeans, crop tops, oversized clothing, grunge-inspired pieces, tracksuits, Doc Martens, and chokers. To create a 90s-inspired look, a fashion brand can mix and match these elements to reflect a woman's personal style.

How to dress like a 90s it girl? ›

Style grunge to best suit your identity be it with high rise baggy jeans, chainlink accessories, or head-to-toe black, complete with biker boots. Flannel, utilitywear, bowling shirts and floral dresses are more classic grunge options. Best of all, all of these items and more can be found at secondhand shops!

What was the most popular outfit in the 90s? ›

Scrunchies, acid-wash jeans, tube tops, and capri pants reigned supreme among '90s style trends, along with crimped hair, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and punk rock.

How do you dress like a 90s kid? ›

Things You Should Know

Wear a grungy look with loose-fitting, dark colored clothes and ripped pants. Accessorize it with messy hair and rock band merch. Channel the "babydoll" look with bodycon dresses, butterfly clips, and dress-down shoes like combat boots or sneakers.

What is 90s design style? ›

The 90s graphic design styles were full of bold colors, fashion statements and many music genres. The graphics bore the influence of pop culture and the underground music scene. More influence came from TV shows, which popularized new fonts, such as San Serif, Comic Sans, and casual handwritten style fonts.

How to dress 90s rock? ›

Many artists in the grunge genre sported oversized clothes, flannel shirts, and hefty boots. The effortless appearance made the style more appealing to the masses. Men who participated in the aesthetic usually wore graphic tees, flannels, cardigans, army jackets, cargo pants, or even leather jackets.

How to dress for 90s spirit day? ›

The 90s era was all about grunge-style outfits. Opt for edgy pieces like leather jackets, chokers, combat boots, and ripped jeans if you want to come across as a grunge goddess at the 90s party.

How to wear 90s style jeans? ›

Since 90's jeans are a more relaxed fit starting from the hip, it can feel sloppy at times. That's why it's important to pair your looser relaxed 90's denim with more fitted pieces. Try a fitted tee or tank top, bodysuits are great for this too.

How to dress like 90s grunge? ›

A T-shirt and ripped jeans combo is perhaps the simplest grunge outfit formula. However, if you're looking to dress it up a bit — sans effort — tie up your tee for an instant crop top, throw on a chain accessory, and finish with some strappy heels. The result is glam grunge.

How do you wear jeans like the 90s? ›

Think: classic blue jeans with a relaxed white t-shirt and blazer. For a modern take, try white jeans with a slim cream knit tucked in. When it comes to styling '90s-style jeans, the rules of balancing an outfit apply – if you're wearing a looser bottom, keep the top half tailored.

Are 90s clothes back in style? ›

90s fashion has been steadily making a comeback for several years now, and in 2024, it's definitely still going strong. Here are some reasons why: Nostalgia: Gen Z, who were born in the late 90s and early 2000s, are now entering their teenage years and early adulthood, the prime time for fashion exploration.

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